Punjab: Rain problem for cotton growers, paddy farmers hope for relief
The area was flooded due to a breach in the Ramsara Minor (tributary) last night. About 50 acres of cotton crop was submerged between Bhagu and Wahabwala villages.
Farmers Gurpreet Singh and Kuldeep Singh said that due to heavy rains in the area late last night, the canal had overflowed, leading to a breach in the canal. Canal Department employee Rakesh said that JCB machine has been arranged to bridge the crack.
He said that the farmers have given their cooperation in vacating the fields.
Meanwhile, rain accompanied by strong winds in Muktsar last night brought relief to the paddy growers of the district. The paddy sowing season is underway and the temperature has been hovering around 42 degree Celsius for the past few days.
However, the rain caused some damage to the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) and the Irrigation Department. For example, power supply was restored in Gidderbaha town today only after about 15 hours.
On the other hand, two minors of the district also developed cracks due to rain. About 50 acres of land in Warring village was submerged due to a breach in the Khara Minor. Similarly, there was a crack in Sakkanwali minor also. The farmers claimed that the administration failed to clean the water channels in time.
During the day, Muktsar Additional Deputy Commissioner Bikramjeet Singh Shergill held a meeting with officials of various departments to review preparedness to deal with waterlogging.
He directed the officials of the drainage wing of the Irrigation Department to clean the drains by July 10. He also directed all Block Development and Panchayat Officers (BDPOs) to clean the village ponds and keep water lifting motors ready to meet any eventuality.
